Marriage Equality: Is Oregon Next?

Nicola and Meg are in a committed, long-term relationship that they desperately want to call a marriage. The fact is they were married for 14 years. During that time, Nicola used to be a man. However, she never felt like that was who she really was, so, in 2008, she transitioned to become a woman. She underwent hormone replacement therapy, and she and Meg have been happy ever since. Almost.

The couple came from the U.K. When they decided to move to Oregon, for work, they faced an immediate problem. Amendment 36 of Oregon’s constitution says they are no longer married. The state does not recognize same sex marriage yet. Their constitution still defines marriage as a union of one man and one woman.

When faced with the thought of losing Nicola, Meg said, “It just kept circling back to I don’t want to leave Nicola. I would be alone. She wouldn’t be there. Not, oh I would be alone. I can’t cope. I can cope, but I would be alone, and she wouldn’t be there.”

“Two people loving and making a commitment to each other is more important than any labels,” said Nicola.

“Love who you are. Be who you are. The world can be an amazing place full of wonderful people who will know and love and accept you for who you are,” said Nicola.

Oregon United for Marriage actually far surpassed their initial goal of gathering 10,000 signatures. In 20 days, they collected 57,173 signatures. They are currently on target for getting enough signatures to put marriage equality on the ballot in 2014.